Spring controlling valve

ABSTRACT

A valve member for a spring-loaded valve assembly includes a top portion having a spring retaining recess, the spring retaining recess extending into the top portion to form a void space, the void space to receive at least one coil of a spring, the spring retaining recess having a recess diameter that is smaller than a top portion diameter, wherein the recess diameter is larger than a rest diameter of a spring base including the coil, the spring retaining recess blocking expansion of the at least one coil when the spring is compressed. The valve member also includes a bottom portion coupled to the top portion. The valve member further includes a sealing element positioned axially below a shoulder of the top portion and legs coupled to the bottom portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/728,568, titled “SPRING CONTROLLING VALVE,” filed Apr. 25, 2022, nowU.S. Pat. No. 11,434,900, issued Sep. 6, 2022, the full disclosure ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein generally relate topump systems, and in particular to valve assemblies used in pumpsystems.

BACKGROUND

Pumping systems may be used in a variety of applications, such asindustrial applications where pumping systems are used to elevate aworking fluid pressure. One such application is hydraulic fracturingsystems, where pumps are used to increase a fluid pressure of a workingfluid (e.g., fracturing fluid, slurry, etc.) for injection into anunderground formation. The working fluid may include particulates, whichare injected into fissures of the formation. When the fluid is removedfrom the formation, the particulates remain and “prop” open thefissures, facilitating flow of oil and gas. In many applications,reciprocating pumps are used where a fluid is introduced into a fluidend inlet passage and out through an outlet passage. A plungerreciprocates within a bore to add energy to the fluid.

SUMMARY

Applicant recognized the problems noted above herein and conceived anddeveloped embodiments of systems and methods, according to the presentdisclosure, for valve assemblies, and in various embodiments, fluid endscontaining one or more valve seats.

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a valve member for aspring-loaded valve assembly includes a top portion having a springretaining recess, the spring retaining recess extending into the topportion to form a void space, the void space to receive at least onecoil of a spring, the spring retaining recess having a recess diameterthat is smaller than a top portion diameter, wherein the recess diameteris larger than a rest diameter of a spring base including the coil, thespring retaining recess blocking expansion of the at least one coil whenthe spring is compressed. The valve member also includes a bottomportion coupled to the top portion. The valve member further includes asealing element positioned axially below a shoulder of the top portionand legs coupled to the bottom portion.

In accordance with another embodiment, a valve assembly includes a valveseat having a strike face and a valve member configured to reciprocatesuch that a sealing element of the valve member moves into contact withthe strike face and out of contact with the strike face, whereinmovement of the valve member is driven, at least in part, by a springbiasing the valve member toward the valve seat. The valve memberincludes a bottom portion and legs coupled to the bottom portion. Thevalve member also includes a top portion coupled to the bottom portion,the sealing element being positioned, at least partially, between thetop portion and the bottom portion, wherein a spring retaining recess isformed in the top portion along a top surface, the spring retainingrecess having a depth that extends axially lower than the top surface toreceive at least a portion of the spring such that a contact areabetween the spring and the top portion is axially lower than the topsurface, and a diameter of the spring retaining recess being selectedbased, at least in part, on a spring base diameter to block expansion ofa spring base beyond a predetermined position.

In accordance with another embodiment, a pump assembly includes a fluidend block having a first bore, a second bore, a third bore, and a fourthbore, the first bore extending from an external surface to an internalchamber, and the second bore extending from an opposite external surfaceto the internal chamber, the third and fourth bore extendingindependently toward the internal chamber, the internal chamberconnecting each of the first bore, the second bore, the third bore, andthe fourth bore. The pump assembly also includes a valve assemblyarranged in at least one of the first bore or the second bore. The valveassembly includes a valve member having a bottom portion, legs coupledto the bottom portion, and a top portion coupled to the bottom portion,wherein a spring retaining recess is formed in the top portion along atop surface, the spring retaining recess having a depth that extendsaxially lower than the top surface to receive at least a portion of aspring such that a contact area between the spring and the top portionis axially lower than the top surface, and a diameter of the springretaining recess being selected based, at least in part, on a springbase diameter to block expansion of a spring base beyond a predeterminedposition. The valve assembly also includes a valve seat arranged withinat least one of the first bore or the second bore and positioned toreceive contact from the valve member responsive to movement of thevalve member.

In accordance with another embodiment, a valve member for areciprocating pump assembly includes a valve body comprising afrustoconical surface, the valve body defining an outside annular cavityadjacent to the frustoconical surface and bounded by a top surface ofthe valve. The valve member also includes a seal arranged in the outsideannular cavity, the seal positioned such that the seal is not on the topsurface of the valve. The valve member further includes a recessedpocket sitting below the top surface of the valve and a conical springretained in the recessed pocket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present technology will be better understood on reading thefollowing detailed description of non-limiting embodiments thereof, andon examining the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art pump assembly,in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cut-away perspective view of a prior art valve assembly, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid endincluding a valve assembly, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member and aspring, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid endincluding a valve assembly, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member and aspring, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid endincluding a valve assembly, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member and aspring, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid endincluding a valve assembly, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member and aspring, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid endincluding a valve assembly, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member and aspring, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a fluid endincluding a valve assembly, in accordance with embodiments of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member and aspring, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a valve member, inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing aspects, features, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be further appreciated when considered with reference tothe following description of embodiments and accompanying drawings. Indescribing the embodiments of the disclosure illustrated in the appendeddrawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity.However, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specificterms used, and it is to be understood that each specific term includesequivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similarpurpose.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the articles “a”, “an”, “the”, and “said” are intended tomean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”,“including”, and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Anyexamples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are notexclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments.Additionally, it should be understood that references to “oneembodiment”, “an embodiment”, “certain embodiments”, or “otherembodiments” of the present disclosure are not intended to beinterpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments thatalso incorporate the recited features. Furthermore, reference to termssuch as “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “front”, “back”, orother terms regarding orientation or direction are made with referenceto the illustrated embodiments and are not intended to be limiting orexclude other orientations or directions. Additionally, like referencenumerals may be used for like components, but such use is forconvenience purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the presentdisclosure. Moreover, use of terms such as substantially orapproximately may refer to +/−10 percent.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed valve assemblyconfigurations to facilitate spring retention and reduce spring fatigue.In at least one embodiment, a top portion of a valve member (e.g.,valve, valve body) may include a spring recess (e.g., a pocket, agroove, a spring retainer) to retain at least a portion of a springwithin a predefined radial extent, thereby limiting radialexpansion/growth of at least a portion of the spring during compression.In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of the spring ispositioned within the spring recess, which may lower a contact area of aspring base with respect to a top portion of the valve member.Accordingly, various areas of the top portion of the valve member, suchas a shoulder positioned over one or more sealing elements, may bethicker, which may improve sealing element life by providing a largerarea for heat dissipation, among other benefits.

In operation, a valve member may reciprocate between an open positionand a closed position, where a spring may be arranged to drive the valvebody toward the closed position and, when overcome by a fluid pressure,the valve body may move away from a sealing surface to permit flow of afluid. As fluid pressure decreases, the valve body may be driven backtoward the sealing surface via a spring force of the valve. While in theopen position (and also at least partially during an installationposition and/or a closed position), the spring may be compressed suchthat at least a portion of the spring “walks out” toward the outerdiameter of the valve body. That is, a conical spring may be arrangedsuch that a downward force applied to the spring may, at least in part,include one or more horizontal force elements that drive at least aportion of the spring base radially outward away from an axis extendingthrough a center of the spring. This reduces a closing force of thespring, thereby potentially leading to more frequent maintenanceintervals, which increases costs associated with various operations.Various embodiments of the present disclosure address this problem byincorporating a pocket or groove, which may generally be referred to asa recess or a recessed portion, into a top portion of the valve body. Atleast a portion of the spring may be seated within the pocket or groove.The pocket or groove may have a predetermined diameter that permits apredetermined amount of radial movement of the spring and also permitssimplified installation. In at least one embodiment, outward movement ofthe spring base relative to the axis is restricted due to contactbetween the spring base and walls of the pocket of groove. Accordingly,various embodiments provide for a valve assembly arrangement to addressearly spring failures.

Embodiments may further be directed toward an increased shoulderthickness proximate a sealing element. For example, incorporation of thepocket or groove may permit for an increased height at a top portion ofthe spring, which may be positioned axially above the sealing element,which permits faster heat dissipation, which may further be associatedwith improved seal life. In at least one embodiment, the sealing elementmay be a polymer, an ethylene, a fluoropolymer, a tetrafluoroethylene,or any combination thereof. For example, in at least one embodiment, thesealing element is a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) that may beparticularly selected for various pumping applications.

FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a prior art pump assembly100, which may also be referred to as a reciprocating pump assemblyand/or a reciprocating pump. The pump assembly 100 may be utilizedduring hydraulic fracturing operations, among other operations, where aworking fluid (e.g., fracturing fluid, slurry, etc.) is introduced intothe pump and energy is added to the working fluid to increase a pressureof the working fluid. Fracturing fluid, by way of example only, mayinclude corrosives and also particulates, such as sand or ceramics,which are utilized during fracturing operations. These corrosives andparticulates cause erosion within the pump assembly 100, which mayundesirably affect fracturing operations and lead to down times toreplace various components. Additionally, the fracturing fluids mayinclude corrosive acids and the like, which may wear down components ofthe pump assembly 100.

It should be appreciated that various components of the pump assembly100 have been removed for clarity with the following discussion. Forexample, a power end has been removed in favor of focusing on theillustrated fluid end 102 of the pump assembly 100. The power end mayinclude a crankshaft that is driven by an engine or motor to facilitateoperations. The fluid end 102 includes a fluid end block 104 that mayhouse one or more components discussed herein. A plunger rod 106 isdriven (e.g., via the crankshaft) to reciprocate within the fluid endblock 104 along a plunger axis 108. The plunger rod 106 is positionedwithin a bore 110 extending through at least a portion of the fluid endblock 104. The illustrated bore 110 is arranged along the plunger axis108 (e.g., first axis) and intersects a pressure chamber 112, which isarranged along a pressure chamber axis 114 (e.g., second axis), which ispositioned substantially perpendicular to the plunger axis 108. Itshould be appreciated that the pump assembly 100 may include multipleplunger rod and pressure chamber arrangements, which may be referred toas a plunger throw. For example, the pump assembly 100 may be a triplexpump, quadplex pump, quintuplex pump, and the like.

The illustrated fluid end block 104 includes an inlet passage 116 and anoutlet passage 118, which are generally coaxial and arranged along thepressure chamber axis 114. In other words, the inlet passage 116 and theoutlet chamber 118 are axially aligned with respect to one anotherand/or the pressure chamber 112. In various embodiments, fluid entersthe pressure chamber 112 via the inlet passage 116, for example on an upstroke of the plunger rod 106, and is driven out of the pressure chamber112 to an outlet passage 120, for example on a down stroke of theplunger 106.

Respective valve assemblies 122, 124 are arranged within the inletpassage 116 and the outlet chamber 118. These valve assemblies 122, 124are spring loaded in the illustrated embodiment, but it should beappreciated that such an arrangement is for illustrative purposes only.In operation, a differential pressure may drive movement of the valveassemblies. For example, as the plunger rod 106 is on the upstroke,pressure at the inlet passage 116 may overcome the spring force of thevalve assembly 122, thereby driving fluid into the pressure chamber 112.However, on the down stroke, the valve assembly 122 may be driven to aclosed position, while the spring force of the valve assembly 124 isovercome, thereby enabling the fluid to exit via the outlet passage 120.

In one or more embodiments, springs utilized within the system may beconical springs that undergo various cycles while valve bodies movebetween open positions and closed positions. For example, when a valveopens, the valve body may move axially away from the seal sealingsurface to a position that is limited and/or controlled by a conicalspring arranged at a top portion of the valve. Repeated operation mayfatigue the spring, thereby reducing its effectiveness, and as a result,the spring may be scheduled for service or replacement at a same time asits associated valve assembly. However, operators may try to extend auseful life of their equipment, so springs may not be changed duringvalve assembly maintenance. Additionally, it may be desirable tomaintain spring use for as long as the springs are effective to reducecosts. Springs used in these assemblies may have a failure mode in whicha diameter of a base of the spring expands, allowing the spring toexperience more axial compression and higher stresses than originallydesigned. These higher stresses in turn reduce the overall life of thespring, which may lead to potential pump failures where valves are nolonger closing. Embodiments of the present disclosure may overcome theseproblems by incorporating a spring recess (e.g., a groove, a pocket,etc.) into a top portion of the valve member to restrict or otherwiseblock spring diameter increases beyond a predetermined position.Additionally, embodiments may incorporate a boss or knob associated withthe spring recesses to facilitate installation and/or centering of thecomponents. Furthermore, various embodiments enable an increased heightto one or more top portions of the valve body, such as a shoulderproximate a sealing element, in order to improve heat dissipation andincrease seal life.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cut away view of a prior art valve assembly 200,such as the valve assemblies 122, 124, which may be utilized with a pumpassembly. The illustrated valve assembly 200 includes a valve seat 202and a valve member 204 (e.g., a valve body). It should be appreciatedthat the valve seat 202 may refer to the structure of the seat and mayinclude multiple constituent components, such as a body, a strike face,and the like. In operation, the valve member 204 reciprocates along avalve axis 206, which may correspond to the pressure chamber axis 114,such that the valve member 204 moves into and out of contact with atleast a portion of the valve seat 202. In the illustrated embodiment,particulates 208 have accumulated along the valve seat 202, for exampleat a strike face 210 (e.g., a contact face). Repeated contact from thevalve member 204 may drive the particulates 208 into the strike face210, causing scarring or other damage. Additionally, corrosive fluidsmay contact other portions of the valve seat 202, in addition to thestrike face 210. Damage to the valve seat 202 may cause the sealingcapability of the valve assembly 200 to degrade, thereby reducing theeffectiveness of the pump assembly.

In various embodiments, guide legs 212 of the valve member 204 may alsolead to damage to various portions of the valve seat 202. For example,in the illustrated embodiment, the guide legs 212 extend into a bore 214of the valve seat 202. Due to the presence of the corrosive fluid and/orthe particulates, damage may occur along the bore 214, such as scarring.As a result, the pump assembly may be taken out of service for repairs,which may be expensive and also contribute to non-productive time at thewell site.

As noted, operation of the illustrated valve assembly 200 may be, atleast partially, spring loaded, where the spring has been removed inFIG. 2 , to drive the valve member 204 toward the illustrated closedposition where a sealing element 216 is driven toward the valve seat202. In this example, the valve member 204 may include a top portion 218and a bottom portion 220, where the top portion 218 may corresponding tothe region above a shoulder 222 and the bottom portion 220 maycorrespond to a region below the shoulder 222. It should be appreciatedthat this delineation is provided by way of example for clarity andconciseness and that different portions of the valve member 204 maycorrespond to the top and bottom portions 218, 220. In this example, aboss 224 is included along the top portion 218 that corresponds to araised area that extends axially away from a top surface 226. The boss224 may be viewed as an extension or extrusion extending away from thetop surface 226 and may be used to center the spring (not pictured) oras a knob or handle for retrieval and placement of the valve member 204.Additionally, the boss 224 may be used as a hard stop to limit totalspring compression.

In operation, the spring (not pictured) may be seated on the top surface226. Over time, various periods of compression and expansion may causeforces to act on the spring base positioned on the top surface 226 todrive the spring base radially outward away from the axis 206. When thisoccurs, a closing force is reduced, thereby reducing the effectivenessof the valve assembly 200. For example, with a reduced closing force,the sealing element 216 may not be driven against the strike face 210 atthe appropriate time, or at all, thereby causing leaks and otherinefficiencies. However, the illustrated boss 224 does not overcome thisissue at least because it does not affect outward radial movement of thespring base, and is merely positioned to act as either a hard stop tolimit movement and/or for installation purposes. Accordingly, prior artvalve assemblies cannot address the problems associated with spring basewalk out.

In at least one embodiment, systems and methods of the presentdisclosure address problem associated with various valve members 204 byincorporating a spring recess (e.g., a pocket, a groove, etc.) into thetop portion 218 that extends into and below the top surface 226. As willbe described below, the spring recess may receive and support at least aportion of a spring and restrict expansion of a spring diameter beyond apredetermined point, thereby increasing a life of the spring.Furthermore, embodiments may include one or more features to facilitateinstallation and removal of the valve member 204 and/or the spring whilealso increasing an axial height of the top portion 218 to provideimproved heat dissipation for the sealing element 216, therebyincreasing seal life.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate embodiments of a valve assembly 300 that may beutilized to overcome one or more deficiencies of prior art valveassemblies. As will be described below, one or more embodiments mayinclude a recess (e.g., a pocket, a groove, etc.) to receive at least aportion of a spring base to prevent the spring base from walking out.Furthermore, arrangements may provide for a thicker shoulder over asealing element for improved heat dissipation, among other benefits. Itshould be appreciated that various features of the embodiments describedherein may be incorporated with one another and are not limited to thearrangements shown. For example, the valve assembly 300 may includefeatures described with other valve assemblies disclosed herein.

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 300 arrangedwithin a bore 302 of a fluid end 304, which may share one or morefeatures with the valve assemblies 122, 124, 200 and/or the fluid end102. This example shows the valve assembly including a valve member 306that has a spring recess 308, which in this example may be referred toas a spring retaining pocket. The illustrated embodiment includes thevalve assembly 300 associated with a suction side of the fluid end 304,but it should be appreciated that various embodiments may also be usedwith different portions of the fluid end. It should be appreciated thata spring 310 is show in an uncompressed state that is not representativeof how it functions when installed. When the spring 310 is installedbetween a twist in retainer 312 and the valve member 306 the spring 310has a residual crush force used to keep the valve member 306 in placeand to keep the retainer 312 from rotating. As shown, the lowest coilssit in the spring recess 308 of the valve member 306 and are retained inplace based upon the geometry of the spring recess 308. It should beappreciated, and will be described below, that a depth of the recess 308may be particularly selected to accommodate one or more coils of thespring 310. Moreover, while a conical spring 210 is shown in thisexample, it should be appreciated that other spring or biasingconfigurations may also be used within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

As noted above, the fluid end 304 operates based upon a controlledcavity restrained by two check valves (e.g., valve assemblies includingvalve members and valve seats) with one allowing relatively low pressurefluid (e.g., <200 psi) into the chamber and the second one preventingthe water from existing the chamber to the higher pressure dischargechamber (e.g., >6000 psi). This allows the main pressure of the fluidend to fill up between strokes and then when the plunger is driven intothe chamber, the fluid pressure increases until the discharge side valveopens, allowing the higher pressure fluid to exit into the dischargechamber and out of the fluid end. When the pressure equalizes over time,the conical spring 310 on the top of the valve member 306 forces thevalve member 306 into the closed position and the plunger retracts,causing the volume of the chamber to increase and thereby the pressureof the chamber decreases such that the low-pressure supply valve opensand allows fluid into the main pressure pumping. When the valve member306 moves to the open position, it moves axially away from a seatsealing surface 314 and is limited in how far it can open based upon theconical spring 310 on top of the valve member 306.

The pressures involved with this process may cause forces to act on thespring 310, where the compression of the spring 310 will drive a springbase 316 radially outward (e.g., toward walls 318 of the bore 302 toincrease a base diameter of the spring 310), which may be referred to asthe spring “walking out.” As the spring base 316 moves outward, areduced closing force may be produced by the spring 310. For example, aspring height may 320 decrease, which may cause, at least in part, thereduced closing force. This is undesirable in that it may cause thevalve member 306 to not fully close or to close at the wrong time.Embodiments of the present disclosure overcome this problem by utilizingthe spring recess 308 to restrict radial movement of the spring 310 suchthat the base 316 cannot move radially outward toward the walls 318, forexample due to a blockage via one or more portions of the spring recess308. In other words, the walking out of the spring base 316 may beblocked due to contact at the walls of the recess 308, which preventsfurther radial or outward movement of the spring base 316. In at leastone embodiment, a base diameter may be known and, based on the springs310 intended for different operations, a recess diameter may beparticularly selected to permit at least some expansion and/or to blockexpansion entirely, based on the desired or expected operatingconditions. Accordingly, spring life may be improved due to the reducedlikelihood of a reduction in spring height due to radial movement of thespring base.

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the valve member 306 including thespring 310 positioned within the spring recess 308, which as noted, maybe referred to as a pocket for this configuration. The illustrated valvemember 306 includes a top portion 322 and a bottom portion 324 (notvisible due to a sealing element 326 (e.g., a valve seal)) which furtherincludes legs 328 extending from the bottom portion 324. Variousembodiments may describe at least a portion of the valve member 306,such as the bottom portion 324, as having a frustoconical surface orshape. Moreover, the sealing element 326 may be defined as beingpositioned within an outside annular cavity (e.g., an annular cavityformed along an outer diameter of the valve member 306) such that thesealing element 326 is positioned, at least partially, adjacent to thefrustoconical surface. In this example, the top portion 322 maycorrespond to the region axially higher than the sealing element 326along the axis 330. That is, the sealing element 326 may be positionedsuch that the sealing element 326 is not on a top surface 334 of the topportion 322. At least one embodiment may describe at least a portion ofthe bottom portion 324 as being axially lower than the sealing element326, relative to a plane extending along and parallel to the top surface334.

The spring recess 308 is shown extending into the top portion 322 alongthe axis 330 such that a recess base 332 is axially lower than the topsurface 334 of the top portion 322. That is, the recess base 332 isaxially closer to the seal 326 than the top surface 334. In other words,the spring recess 308 may be described as sitting below the top surface334. The recess 308 includes a continuous wall 336 that has a roundededge 338, but it should be appreciated that the edge 338 may not berounded in other embodiments. In this example, a recess diameter 340 isless than a top portion diameter 342. It should be appreciated that therecess diameter 340 may be particularly selected based, at least inpart, on one or more spring characteristics. For example, the recessdiameter 340 may correspond to approximately a spring resting diameter.In this example, the spring base 316 is positioned within the recess 308such that a space 344 is shown between the wall 336 and the spring base316. As such, at least some radial expansion (e.g., movement outwardfrom the axis 330) of the spring base 316 may be permitted. It should beappreciated that adjustments to the recess diameter 340 may control orotherwise limit a permitted expansion. For example, a larger diameter340 may permit more outward expansion than a smaller diameter 340.Moreover, the space 344 may allow for easier installation by providingsome give or degrees of freedom during installation while stillrestricting movement of the spring base 316 in operation. Furthermore,as noted above, it should be appreciated that the illustrated example isin a non-compressed position and that, at installation, the spring 310is compressed by the retainer 312. Accordingly, the space 344 may besized such that the spring base 316 expands upon installation and mayreduce a size of or eliminate the space 344 upon installation.Compression of the spring 310 may drive one or more coils into therecess 308, but it should be appreciated that the recess 308 may besized to receive a reasonable number of coils. In at least oneembodiment, the spring recess 308 is centered along the axis 330, but inone or more embodiments, the spring recess 308 may be positioned at adifferent location or there may be multiple recesses 308 in embodimentswhere there are multiple springs. In various embodiments, the springrecess 308 may be described as retaining at least a portion of thespring 310, which as noted, may be a conical spring.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve member 306in which the spring 310 has been removed. This configuration illustratesthe centered position of the spring recess 308, which as noted above maybe changed based on expected operating conditions. Further illustratedis the continuous wall 336 and the curved edge 338. The curved edge 338is shown by way of example and may by a squared edge, a sloped edge, orany other reasonable geometry. Furthermore, the curved edge 338 may bean overlap or an overhang such that, when compressed, the spring 310 mayextend radially outwardly toward the walls 336 in a position where theedge 338 overhangs the spring 310 (e.g., where axial movement of thespring 310 is blocked by the curved edge 338). As shown, the recess base332 may be a planar surface that is substantially parallel to the topsurface 334. In various embodiments, one or more features may bepositioned to extend axially away from the recess base 332.

FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve member306 in which the spring 310 has been removed. This example shows thebottom portion 324 coupled to the top portion 322, which as noted above,may be represented by the area above the seal 326, such as a shoulder346 positioned over the seal 326. In various embodiments, the topportion 322 may be a planar region extending across a bottom portion ofthe shoulder 346 at an interface between the seal 326 and the shoulder346, but it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments,different portions may correspond to the top portion 322. The legs 328are also illustrated coupled to the bottom portion 324.

The illustrated configuration shows the recess 308, which in thisexample may be referred to as a pocket due to the lack of additionalcomponents or features within an area of the recess 308. That is, theillustrated recess 308 may correspond to a void or a removed portionthat extends axially into the top portion 322. This example includes thewall 336 that extends circumferentially to form the recess 308 havingthe recess diameter 340 and a recess depth 348. The recess depth 348 maycorrespond to a distance between the recess base 332 and the top surface334 of the top portion 322. The depth 348 may be approximately equal toa thickness of one coil of the spring, but it should be appreciated thatother depths 348 may be used in various embodiments and the coilthickness may be one factor utilized to determine the depth 348. Thewall 336 includes the curved edge 338, which as noted above may be avariety of different shapes, such as planar, slanted, or the like.Furthermore, the edge 338 may overhang over the recess 308 such that anedge diameter is less than a recess diameter 340.

Further illustrated is a shoulder thickness 350, which may correspond toa distance between an interface 352 between the seal 326 and the topsurface 334. It should be appreciated that various features may beincluded at the interface 352, such as teeth or the like to facilitategripping the seal 326, and that the distance described above correspondsto a lowest point of the interface 352. In this example, the thickness350 may be larger than a thickness of a corresponding valve member thatdoes not include the recess 308. For example, in various embodiments, atop surface of a valve member, or features along the top surface, mayact as a hard stop for valve member movement. As a result, an axialheight of the top portion may be limited or restricted. This axialheight may be measured from a location where the spring contacts thevalve member. By adding the depth 348 of the recess, which lowers thecontact point of the spring, the thickness 350 may be increased, therebyproviding additional support at the seal 326, which is the region thatcontacts the seat sealing surface 314 (FIG. 3A). Accordingly, heatdissipation from the seal 326 may be improved, thereby increasing theuseful life of the seal 326. In this manner, a time may be extendedbetween maintenance intervals due to the improved life of the spring 310and also the improved life of the seal 326. As a result, systems andmethods of the present disclosure may reduce costs for pump operatorsand provide improved operations.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate embodiments of a valve assembly 400 that may beutilized to overcome one or more deficiencies of prior art valveassemblies. As will be described below, one or more embodiments mayinclude a recess (e.g., a pocket, a groove, etc.) to receive at least aportion of a spring base to prevent the spring base from walking out.Furthermore, arrangements may provide for a thicker shoulder over asealing element for improved heat dissipation, among other benefits. Itshould be appreciated that various features of the embodiments describedherein may be incorporated with one another and are not limited to thearrangements shown. For example, the valve assembly 400 may includefeatures described with other valve assemblies disclosed herein. Itshould be appreciated that certain like features are referred to withlike numerals for convenience purposes and are not intended to limit thescope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 400 arrangedwithin the bore 302 of the fluid end 304, which may share one or morefeatures with the valve assemblies 122, 124, 200 and/or the fluid end102. Moreover, various aspects of the embodiments of FIGS. 4A-4D mayshare one or more components with FIGS. 3A-3D. This example shows thevalve assembly including the valve member 306 that has the spring recess308, which in this example may be referred to as a spring retaininggroove. The illustrated embodiment includes the valve assembly 400associated with a suction side of the fluid end 304, but it should beappreciated that various embodiments may also be used with differentportions of the fluid end. Moreover, as noted with respect to FIG. 3A,it should be appreciated that the spring 310 is show in an uncompressedstate that is not representative of how it functions when installed.When the spring 310 is installed between the twist in retainer 312 andthe valve member 306 the spring 310 has a residual crush force used tokeep the valve member 306 in place and to keep the retainer 312 fromrotating. As shown, the lowest coils sit in the spring recess 308 of thevalve member 306 and are retained in place based upon the geometry ofthe spring recess 308. It should be appreciated, and will be describedbelow, that a depth of the recess 308 may be particularly selected toaccommodate one or more coils of the spring 310.

As noted above, as the fluid end 304 operates and the valve member 302moves in and out of contact with the sealing surface 314, pressures maycause forces to act on the spring 310, where the compression of thespring 310 will drive the spring base 316 radially outward (e.g., towardwalls 318 of the bore 302 to increase a base diameter of the spring310). As the spring base 316 moves outward, or “walks out,” a reducedclosing force may be produced by the spring 310. For example, the springheight may 320 decrease, which may cause, as least in part, the reducedclosing force. This is undesirable in that it may cause the valve member306 to not fully close or to close at the wrong time. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure overcome this problem by utilizing the spring recess308 to restrict radial movement of the spring 310 such that the base 316cannot move radially outward toward the walls 318. In other words, thewalking out of the spring base 316 may be blocked due to contact withone or more portions of the recess 308, which prevents further radial oroutward movement of the spring base 316. In at least one embodiment, abase diameter may be known and, based on the springs 310 intended fordifferent operations, a recess diameter may be particularly selected topermit at least some expansion and/or to block expansion entirely, basedon the desired or expected operating conditions. Accordingly, springlife may be improved due to the reduced likelihood of a reduction inspring height due to radial movement of the spring base.

In this example, a boss 402 (e.g., extension, protrusion, platform,etc.) is shown within the spring recess 308 and extends in an axiallyupward direction along the axis 330. The boss 402 may form an innerbarrier with respect to the spring base 316 such that the spring base316 is blocked from both radially inward movement and radially outwardmovement beyond certain predetermined positions. Additionally, invarious embodiments, the boss 402 may be used to center the spring 310and/or as a handle during installation and removal.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the valve member 306 including thespring 310 positioned within the spring recess 308. The illustratedvalve member 306 includes the top portion 322 and the bottom portion 324(not visible due to the sealing element 326) which further includes legs328 extending from the bottom portion 324. In this example, the topportion 322 may correspond to the region axially higher than the seal326 along the axis 330.

The spring recess 308 is shown extending into the top portion 322 alongthe axis 330 such that the recess base 332 is axially lower than the topsurface 334 of the top portion 322. That is, the recess base 332 isaxially closer to the seal 326 than the top surface 334. The recess base332 is also axially closer to the seal 326 than a boss surface 404,which in this configuration, is substantially flush with the top surface334. The recess 308 includes the continuous wall 336 (e.g., continuousouter wall) that has the edge 338 (e.g., the rounded edge) and an innercontinuous wall 406 formed by the boss 402. As a result, the recess 308has both the outer diameter 340 (e.g., recess diameter) and an innerdiameter 408 to effectively form a cylinder-shaped cutout or void intothe top surface 334. As shown, the outer diameter 340 is greater thanthe inner diameter 408. In this example, the outer diameter 340 is lessthan the top portion diameter 342. It should be appreciated that theouter diameter 340 may be particularly selected based, at least in part,on one or more spring characteristics. For example, the outer diameter340 may correspond to approximately a spring resting diameter. In thisexample, the spring base 316 is positioned within the recess 308 suchthat the space 344 is shown between the wall 336 and the spring base316, and moreover, such that an inner space 410 is shown between thespring base 316 and the inner wall 406. As such, at least some radialexpansion (e.g., movement outward) and/or radial compression (e.g.,movement inward) of the spring base 316 may be permitted. It should beappreciated that adjustments to the outer diameter 340 may control orotherwise limit a permitted expansion. Moreover, the spaces 344, 410 mayallow for easier installation by providing some give or degrees offreedom during installation while still restricting movement of thespring base 316 in operation. Furthermore, as noted above, it should beappreciated that the illustrated example is in a non-compressed positionand that, at installation, the spring 310 is compressed by the retainer312. Accordingly, the spaces 344, 410 may be sized such that the springbase 316 expands upon installation and may reduce a size of or eliminatethe spaces 344, 410 upon installation. Compression of the spring 310 maydrive one or more coils into the recess 308, but it should beappreciated that the recess 308 may be sized to receive a reasonablenumber of coils. In at least one embodiment, the spring recess 308 iscentered along the axis 330, but in one or more embodiments, the springrecess 308 may be positioned at a different location or there may bemultiple recesses 308 in embodiments where there are multiple springs.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve member 306in which the spring 310 has been removed. This configuration illustratesthe centered position of the spring recess 308, which as noted above maybe changed based on expected operating conditions. Further illustratedis the outer continuous wall 336, the curved edge 338, and the innerwall 406 of the boss 402. The curved edge 338 is shown by way of exampleand may by a squared edge, a sloped edge, or any other reasonablegeometry. Additionally, a similar curved edge 412, or just an edge witha variety of potential configurations, may be associated with the innerwall 406. Furthermore, the curved edges 338, 412 may be an overlap or anoverhang such that, when compressed, the spring 310 may extend radiallytoward the walls 336, 406 in a position where the edges 338, 412overhang the spring 310 (e.g., where axial movement of the spring 310 isblocked by one or more of the curved edges 338, 412). As shown, therecess base 332 may be a planar surface that is substantially parallelto the top surface 334. Similarly, the boss surface 404 may also besubstantially planar and parallel to the top surface 334. In variousembodiments, one or more features may be positioned to extend axiallyaway from the recess base 332 and/or the boss surface 404.

In this configuration the boss 402 extends axially away from the recessbase 332 and includes the boss surface 404, which is substantiallyplanar and shown as being flush with the top surface 334. In variousembodiments, the boss 402 may be used to center the spring 310. Asshown, the boss 402 includes a boss diameter that corresponds to theinner diameter 408 of the recess 308, in that the boss 402 forms theinner diameter 408 via the wall 406. It should be appreciated that aboss height may be particularly selected and modified based on operatingconditions and, in various embodiments, the boss height may extendaxially above the top surface 334.

FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve member306 in which the spring 310 has been removed. This example shows thebottom portion 324 coupled to the top portion 322, which as noted above,may be represented by the area above the seal 326, such as the shoulder346 positioned over the seal 326. In various embodiments, the topportion 322 may be a planar region extending across a bottom portion ofthe shoulder 346 at an interface between the seal 326 and the shoulder346, but it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments,different portions may correspond to the top portion 322. The legs 328are also illustrated coupled to the bottom portion 324.

The illustrated configuration shows the recess 308, which in thisexample may be referred to as a groove due to the position of the boss402 forming the inner diameter 408 of the recess 308. That is, theillustrated recess 308 may correspond to a void or a removed portionthat extends axially into the top portion 322. This example includes thewall 336 that extends circumferentially to form the recess 308 havingthe recess diameter 340 and the recess depth 348. Additionally, theinner wall 406 further defines the bounds of the recess such that anarea in which the spring may be positioned is confined between the innerand outer diameters 408, 340. The recess depth 348 may correspond to adistance between the recess base 332 and the top surface 334 of the topportion 322 and/or the boss surface 404 in configurations where the bosssurface 404 is flush with the top surface 334. The depth 348 may beapproximately equal to a thickness of one coil of the spring, but itshould be appreciated that other depths 348 may be used in variousembodiments and the coil thickness may be one factor utilized todetermine the depth 348. The wall 336 includes the curved edge 338,which as noted above may be a variety of different shapes, such asplanar, slanted, or the like. Furthermore, the edge 338 may overhangover the recess 308 such that an edge diameter is less than a recessdiameter 340. Similarly, the inner wall 406 may also have the curvededge 412 that may be different shapes and/or overhang over the recessbase 332.

In at least one embodiment, a boss height 414 is substantially equal tothe recess depth 348. However, it should be appreciated that the bossheight 414 may be greater than or less than the recess depth 348. Theboss height 414 may correspond to a distance between the recess base 332and the boss surface 404. However, it should be appreciated thatreference to the boss height 414 may be made with respect to the topsurface 334, such regarding a difference in axial distance between theboss surface 404 and the top surface 334.

Further illustrated is the shoulder thickness 350, which may correspondto a distance between an interface 352 between the seal 326 and the topsurface 334. It should be appreciated that various features may beincluded at the interface, such as teeth or the like to facilitategripping the seal 326, and that the distance described above correspondsto a lowest point of the interface 352. In this example, the thickness350 may be larger than a thickness of a corresponding valve member thatdoes not include the recess 308. For example, in various embodiments, atop surface of a valve member, or features along the top surface, mayact as a hard stop for valve member movement. For example, a traditionalvalve configuration may include a boss that extends from the top surfaceof the valve member, rather than from a recessed location. As a result,an axial height of the top portion may be limited or restricted. Thisaxial height may be measured from a location where the spring contactsthe valve member. Accordingly, the inclusion of the boss 402 may notaffect the axial height of the top of the valve, and/or, may enableinclusion of a larger boss due to positioning of the boss 402 within therecess 308. By adding the depth 348 of the recess, which lowers thecontact point of the spring, the thickness 350 may be increased, therebyproviding additional support at the seal 326, which is the region thatcontacts the seat sealing surface 314 (FIG. 4A). Accordingly, heatdissipation from the seal 326 may be improved, thereby increasing theuseful life of the seal 326. In this manner, a time may be extendedbetween maintenance intervals due to the improved life of the spring andalso the improved life of the seal 326. As a result, systems and methodsof the present disclosure may reduce costs for pump operators andprovide improved operations.

FIGS. 5A-5D illustrate embodiments of a valve assembly 500 that may beutilized to overcome one or more deficiencies of prior art valveassemblies. As will be described below, one or more embodiments mayinclude a recess (e.g., a pocket, a groove, etc.) to receive at least aportion of a spring base to prevent the spring base from walking out.Furthermore, arrangements may provide for a thicker shoulder over asealing element for improved heat dissipation, among other benefits. Itshould be appreciated that various features of the embodiments describedherein may be incorporated with one another and are not limited to thearrangements shown. For example, the valve assembly 500 may includefeatures described with other valve assemblies disclosed herein. Itshould be appreciated that certain like features are referred to withlike numerals for convenience purposes and are not intended to limit thescope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly 500 arrangedwithin the bore 302 of the fluid end 304, which may share one or morefeatures with the valve assemblies 122, 124, 200 and/or the fluid end102. Moreover, various features of FIGS. 5A-5D may be common to FIGS.3A-3D and 4A-4D. This example shows the valve assembly including thevalve member 306 that has the spring recess 308, which in this exampleis a dovetail spring retaining groove. The illustrated embodimentincludes the valve assembly 500 associated with a suction side of thefluid end 304, but it should be appreciated that various embodiments mayalso be used with different portions of the fluid end. Moreover, asnoted with respect to FIGS. 3A and 4A, it should be appreciated that thespring 310 is show in an uncompressed state that is not representativeof how it functions when installed. When the spring 310 is installedbetween the twist in retainer 312 and the valve member 306 the spring310 has a residual crush force used to keep the valve member 306 inplace and to keep the retainer 312 from rotating. As shown, the lowestcoils sit in the spring recess 308 of the valve member 306 and areretained in place based upon the geometry of the spring recess 308. Itshould be appreciated, and will be described below, that a depth of therecess 308 may be particularly selected to accommodate one or more coilsof the spring 310.

As noted above, as the fluid end 304 operates and the valve member 302moves in and out of contact with the sealing surface 314, pressures maycause forces to act on the spring 310, where the compression of thespring 310 will drive the spring base 316 radially outward (e.g., towardwalls 318 of the bore 302 to increase a base diameter of the spring310). As the spring base 316 moves outward, or “walks out,” a reducedclosing force may be produced by the spring 310. For example, the springheight 320 may decrease, which may cause, as least in part, the reducedclosing force. This is undesirable in that it may cause the valve member306 to not fully close or to close at the wrong time. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure overcome this problem by utilizing the spring recess308 to restrict radial movement of the spring 310 such that the base 316cannot move radially outward toward the walls 318. In other words, thewalking out of the spring base 316 may be blocked due to contact at therecess 308, which prevents further radial or outward movement of thespring base 316. In at least one embodiment, a base diameter may beknown and, based on the springs 310 intended for different operations, arecess diameter may be particularly selected to permit at least someexpansion and/or to block expansion entirely, based on the desired orexpected operating conditions. Accordingly, spring life may be improveddue to the reduced likelihood of a reduction in spring height due toradial movement of the spring base.

In this example, a solid region 502, which may be a boss, is shownwithin the spring recess 308 and extending in an axially upwarddirection along the axis 330. The solid region 502 may form an innerbarrier with respect to the spring base 316 such that the spring base316 is blocked from both radially inward movement and radially outwardmovement beyond certain predetermined positions. Additionally, invarious embodiments, the solid region 502 may be used to center thespring 310 and/or as a handle during installation and removal. As notedabove, in various embodiments, the solid region 502 may be considered aboss, such as the boss 402 in FIGS. 4A-4D. However, in certainembodiments, the solid region 502 may be an integrally formed portion ofthe top portion 322 and the recess 308 may be machined out of the topportion 322, thereby leaving the recess 308.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the valve member 306 including thespring 310 positioned within the spring recess 308. The illustratedvalve member 306 includes the top portion 322 and the bottom portion 324(not visible due to the sealing element 326) which further includes legs328 extending from the bottom portion 324. In this example, the topportion 322 may correspond to the region axially higher than the seal326 along the axis 330.

The spring recess 308 is shown extending into the top portion 322 alongthe axis 330 such that the recess base 332 is axially lower than the topsurface 334 of the top portion 322. That is, the recess base 332 isaxially closer to the seal 326 than the top surface 334. The recess base332 is also axially closer to the seal 326 than a region surface 504,which in this configuration, is substantially flush with the top surface334. As noted above, because the recess 308 may be machined into the topsurface 334, the surfaces 334, 504 may be substantially level. Therecess 308 includes the continuous wall 336 (e.g., continuous outerwall) that has the round edge 338 and the inner continuous wall 406formed by the solid region 502. As a result, the recess 308 has both theouter diameter 340 (e.g., recess diameter) and the inner diameter 408 toeffectively form a cylinder-shaped cutout or void into the top surface334. As shown, the outer diameter 340 is greater than the inner diameter408. In this example, the outer diameter 340 is less than the topportion diameter 342. It should be appreciated that the outer diameter340 may be particularly selected based, at least in part, on one or morespring characteristics. For example, the outer diameter 340 maycorrespond to approximately a spring resting diameter. In this example,the spring base 316 is positioned within the recess 308 such that thespace 344 is shown between the wall 336 and the spring base 316, andmoreover, such that the inner space 410 is shown between the spring base316 and the inner wall 406. As such, at least some radial expansion(e.g., movement outward) and/or radial compression (e.g., movementinward) of the spring base 316 may be permitted. It should beappreciated that adjustments to the outer diameter 340 may control orotherwise limit a permitted expansion. Moreover, the spaces 344, 410 mayallow for easier installation by providing some give or degrees offreedom during installation while still restricting movement of thespring base 316 in operation. Furthermore, as noted above, it should beappreciated that the illustrated example is in a non-compressed positionand that, at installation, the spring 310 is compressed by the retainer312. Accordingly, the spaces 344, 410 may be sized such that the springbase 316 expands upon installation and may reduce a size of or eliminatethe spaces 344, 410 upon installation. Compression of the spring 310 maydrive one or more coils into the recess 308, but it should beappreciated that the recess 308 may be sized to receive a reasonablenumber of coils. In at least one embodiment, the spring recess 308 iscentered along the axis 330, but in one or more embodiments, the springrecess 308 may be positioned at a different location or there may bemultiple recesses 308 in embodiments where there are multiple springs.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve member 306in which the spring 310 has been removed. This configuration illustratesthe centered position of the spring recess 308, which as noted above maybe changed based on expected operating conditions. Further illustratedis the outer continuous wall 336, the curved edge 338, and the innerwall 406 of the solid region 502. The curved edge 338 is shown by way ofexample and may by a squared edge, a sloped edge, or any otherreasonable geometry. Moreover, only a portion of the edge 338 may becurved, such as a lip or a transition portion. Additionally, the edge412 may be associated with the inner wall 406, which may also be curved,sloped, squared, or the like. Furthermore, the edges 338, 412 may be anoverlap or an overhang such that, when compressed, the spring 310 mayextend radially toward the walls 336, 406 in a position where the edges338, 412 overhang the spring 310 (e.g., where axial movement of thespring 310 is blocked by one or more of the curved edges 338, 412). Asshown, the recess base 332 may be a planar surface that is substantiallyparallel to the top surface 334 and to the region surface 504.

In this configuration the region 502 extends axially away from therecess base 332 and includes the surface 504, which is substantiallyplanar and shown as being flush with the top surface 334. In variousembodiments, the region 502 may be used to center the spring 310. Asshown, the region 502 includes a region diameter that corresponds to theinner diameter 408 of the recess 308, in that the region 502 forms theinner diameter 408 via the wall 406.

FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve member306 in which the spring 310 has been removed. This example shows thebottom portion 324 coupled to the top portion 322, which as noted above,may be represented by the area above the seal 326, such as the shoulder346 positioned over the seal 326. In various embodiments, the topportion 322 may be a planar region extending across a bottom portion ofthe shoulder 346 at an interface between the seal 326 and the shoulder346, but it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments,different portions may correspond to the top portion 322. The legs 328are also illustrated coupled to the bottom portion 324.

The illustrated configuration shows the recess 308, which in thisexample may be referred to as a dovetail groove to its cross-sectionalappearance. The illustrated recess 308 may correspond to a void or aremoved portion that extends axially into the top portion 322. Thisexample includes the wall 336 that extends circumferentially to form therecess 308 having the recess diameter 340 and the recess depth 348.Additionally, the inner wall 406 further defines the bounds of therecess 308 such that an area in which the spring may be positioned isconfined between the inner and outer diameters 406, 340. The recessdepth 348 may correspond to a distance between the recess base 332 andthe top surface 334 of the top portion 322 and/or the region surface 504in configurations where the region surface 504 is flush with the topsurface 334. The depth 348 may be approximately equal to a thickness ofone coil of the spring, but it should be appreciated that other depths348 may be used in various embodiments and the coil thickness may be onefactor utilized to determine the depth 348. The wall 336 includes thecurved edge 338, which as noted above may be a variety of differentshapes, such as planar, slanted, or the like. Furthermore, the edge 338may overhang over the recess 308, as shown by the dovetailcross-section, such that an edge diameter 506 is less than the recessdiameter 340. Similarly, the inner wall 406 may also have the edge 412that may be different shapes and/or overhang over the recess base 332,as shown by the dovetail cross-section, such that an inner edge diameter508 is greater than the inner diameter 408.

Further illustrated is the shoulder thickness 350, which may correspondto a distance between an interface 352 between the seal 326 and the topsurface 334. It should be appreciated that various features may beincluded at the interface, such as teeth or the like to facilitategripping the seal 326, and that the distance described above correspondsto a lowest point of the interface 352. In this example, the thickness350 may be larger than a thickness of a corresponding valve member thatdoes not include the recess 308. For example, in various embodiments, atop surface of a valve member, or features along the top surface, mayact as a hard stop for valve member movement. For example, a traditionalvalve configuration may include a boss that extends from the top surfaceof the valve member, rather than from a recessed location. As a result,an axial height of the top portion may be limited or restricted. Thisaxial height may be measured from a location where the spring contactsthe valve member. By adding the depth 348 of the recess, which lowersthe contact point of the spring, the thickness 350 may be increased,thereby providing additional support at the seal 326, which is theregion that contacts the seat sealing surface 314 (FIG. 5A).Accordingly, heat dissipation from the seal 326 may be improved, therebyincreasing the useful life of the seal 326. In this manner, a time maybe extended between maintenance intervals due to the improved life ofthe spring and also the improved life of the seal 326. As a result,systems and methods of the present disclosure may reduce costs for pumpoperators and provide improved operations.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate embodiments of a valve assembly 600 that may beutilized to overcome one or more deficiencies of prior art valveassemblies. As will be described below, one or more embodiments mayinclude a recess (e.g., a pocket, a groove, etc.) to receive at least aportion of a spring base to prevent the spring base from walking out.Furthermore, arrangements may provide for a thicker shoulder over asealing element for improved heat dissipation, among other benefits. Itshould be appreciated that various features of the embodiments describedherein may be incorporated with one another and are not limited to thearrangements shown. For example, the valve assembly 600 may includefeatures described with other valve assemblies disclosed herein. Itshould be appreciated that certain like features are referred to withlike numerals for convenience purposes and are not intended to limit thescope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 600 arrangedwithin the bore 302 of the fluid end 304, which may share one or morefeatures with the valve assemblies 122, 124, 200 and/or the fluid end102. Moreover, various portions of FIGS. 6A-6D may share one or morecomponents with FIGS. 3A-3D, 4A-4D, and 5A-5D. This example shows thevalve assembly including the valve member 306 that has the spring recess308, which in this example is a half dovetail spring retaining groove.The dovetail is shown along the outer edge of the groove. Theillustrated embodiment includes the valve assembly 600 associated with asuction side of the fluid end 304, but it should be appreciated thatvarious embodiments may also be used with different portions of thefluid end. Moreover, as noted with respect to FIGS. 3A, 4A, and 5A, itshould be appreciated that a spring 310 is show in an uncompressed statethat is not representative of how it functions when installed. When thespring 310 is installed between the twist in retainer 312 and the valvemember 306 the spring 310 has a residual crush force used to keep thevalve member 306 in place and to keep the retainer 312 from rotating. Asshown, the lowest coils sit in the spring recess 308 of the valve member306 and are retained in place based upon the geometry of the springrecess 308. It should be appreciated, and will be described below, thata depth of the recess 308 may be particularly selected to accommodateone or more coils of the spring 310.

As noted above, as the fluid end 304 operates and the valve member 302moves in and out of contact with the sealing surface 314, pressures maycause forces to act on the spring 310, where the compression of thespring 310 will drive the spring base 316 radially outward (e.g., towardwalls 318 of the bore 302 to increase a base diameter of the spring310). As the spring base 316 moves outward, or “walks out,” a reducedclosing force may be produced by the spring 310. For example, the springheight 320 may decrease, which may cause, as least in part, the reducedclosing force. This is undesirable in that it may cause the valve member306 to not fully close or to close at the wrong time. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure overcome this problem by utilizing the spring recess308 to restrict radial movement of the spring 310 such that the base 316cannot move radially outward toward the walls 318. In other words, thewalking out of the spring base 316 may be blocked due to contact at therecess 308, which prevents further radial or outward movement of thespring base 316. In at least one embodiment, a base diameter may beknown and, based on the springs 310 intended for different operations, arecess diameter may be particularly selected to permit at least someexpansion and/or to block expansion entirely, based on the desired orexpected operating conditions. Accordingly, spring life may be improveddue to the reduced likelihood of a reduction in spring height due toradial movement of the spring base.

In this example, a solid region 502, which may be a boss, is shownwithin the spring recess 308 and extending in an axially upwarddirection along the axis 330. The solid region 502 may form an innerbarrier with respect to the spring base 316 such that the spring base316 is blocked from both radially inward movement and radially outwardmovement beyond certain predetermined positions. Additionally, invarious embodiments, the solid region 502 may be used to center thespring 310 and/or as a handle during installation and removal. As notedabove, in various embodiments, the solid region 502 may be considered aboss, such as the boss 400 in FIGS. 4A-4D. However, in certainembodiments, the solid region 502 may be an integrally formed portion ofthe top portion 322 and the recess 308 may be machined out of the topportion 322, thereby leaving the recess 308, such as with respect toFIGS. 5A-5D.

FIG. 6B is a perspective view of the valve member 306 including thespring 310 positioned within the spring recess 308. The illustratedvalve member 306 includes the top portion 322 and the bottom portion 324(not visible due to the sealing element 326) which further includes legs328 extending from the bottom portion 324. In this example, the topportion 322 may correspond to the region axially higher than the valveseal 326 along the axis 330.

The spring recess 308 is shown extending into the top portion 322 alongthe axis 330 such that the recess base 332 is axially lower than the topsurface 334 of the top portion 322. That is, the recess base 332 isaxially closer to the seal 326 than the top surface 334. The recess base332 is also axially closer to the seal 326 than the region surface 504,which in this configuration, is substantially flush with the top surface334. As noted above, because the recess 308 may be machined into the topsurface 334, the surfaces 334, 504 may be substantially level. Therecess 308 includes the continuous wall 336 (e.g., continuous outerwall) that has the round edge 338 and the inner continuous wall 406formed by the solid region 502. As a result, the recess 308 has both theouter diameter 340 (e.g., recess diameter) and the inner diameter 408 toeffectively form a cylinder-shaped cutout or void into the top surface334. As shown, the outer diameter 340 is greater than the inner diameter408. In this example, the outer diameter 340 is less than the topportion diameter 342. It should be appreciated that the outer diameter340 may be particularly selected based, at least in part, on one or morespring characteristics. For example, the outer diameter 340 maycorrespond to approximately a spring resting diameter. In this example,the spring base 316 is positioned within the recess 308 such that thespace 344 is shown between the wall 336 and the spring base 316, andmoreover, such that the inner space 410 is shown between the spring base316 and the inner wall 406. As such, at least some radial expansion(e.g., movement outward) and/or radial compression (e.g., movementinward) of the spring base 316 may be permitted. It should beappreciated that adjustments to the outer diameter 340 may control orotherwise limit a permitted expansion. Moreover, the spaces 344, 410 mayallow for easier installation by providing some give or degrees offreedom during installation while still restricting movement of thespring base 316 in operation. Furthermore, as noted above, it should beappreciated that the illustrated example is in a non-compressed positionand that, at installation, the spring 310 is compressed by the retainer312. Accordingly, the spaces 344, 410 may be sized such that the springbase 316 expands upon installation and may reduce a size of or eliminatethe spaces 344, 410 upon installation. Compression of the spring 310 maydrive one or more coils into the recess 308, but it should beappreciated that the recess 308 may be sized to receive a reasonablenumber of coils. In at least one embodiment, the spring recess 308 iscentered along the axis 330, but in one or more embodiments, the springrecess 308 may be positioned at a different location or there may bemultiple recesses 308 in embodiments where there are multiple springs.

FIG. 6C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve member 306in which the spring 310 has been removed. This configuration illustratesthe centered position of the spring recess 308, which as noted above maybe changed based on expected operating conditions. Further illustratedis the outer continuous wall 336, the curved edge 338, and the innerwall 406 of the solid region 502. The curved edge 338 is shown by way ofexample and may by a squared edge, a sloped edge, or any otherreasonable geometry. Moreover, only a portion of the edge 338 may becurved, such as a lip or a transition portion. Additionally, a similaredge 412 may be associated with the inner wall 406, where the edge 412may also be curved, squared sloped, or any other reasonable geometry.Furthermore, the edges 338, 412 may be an overlap or an overhang suchthat, when compressed, the spring 310 may extend radially toward thewalls 336, 406 in a position where the edges 338, 412 overhang thespring 310 (e.g., where axial movement of the spring 310 is blocked byone or more of the curved edges 338, 412), such as the half dovetailconfiguration shown in FIG. 6D. As shown, the recess base 332 may be aplanar surface that is substantially parallel to the top surface 334 andto the region surface 504.

In this configuration the region 502 extends axially away from therecess base 332 and includes the surface 504, which is substantiallyplanar and shown as being flush with the top surface 334. In variousembodiments, the region 502 may be used to center the spring 310. Asshown, the region 502 includes a region diameter that corresponds to theinner diameter 408 of the recess 308, in that the region 502 forms theinner diameter 408 via the wall 406.

FIG. 6D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve member306 in which the spring 310 has been removed. This example shows thebottom portion 324 coupled to the top portion 322, which as noted above,may be represented by the area above the seal 326, such as the shoulder346 positioned over the seal 326. In various embodiments, the topportion 322 may be a planar region extending across a bottom portion ofthe shoulder 346 at an interface between the seal 326 and the shoulder346, but it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments,different portions may correspond to the top portion 322. The legs 328are also illustrated coupled to the bottom portion 324.

The illustrated configuration shows the recess 308, which in thisexample may be referred to as a half dovetail groove due to itscross-sectional appearance. The dovetailed half is shown along the outerdiameter of the recess 308, but it should be appreciated that the innerdiameter may include the dovetailed portion. The illustrated recess 308may correspond to a void or a removed portion that extends axially intothe top portion 322. This example includes the wall 336 that extendscircumferentially to form the recess 308 having the recess diameter 340and the recess depth 348. Additionally, the inner wall 406 furtherdefines the bounds of the recess such that an area in which the springmay be positioned is confined between the inner and outer diameters 408,340. The recess depth 348 may correspond to a distance between therecess base 332 and the top surface 334 of the top portion 322 and/orthe region surface 504 in configurations where the region surface 504 isflush with the top surface 334. The depth 348 may be approximately equalto a thickness of one coil of the spring, but it should be appreciatedthat other depths 348 may be used in various embodiments and the coilthickness may be one factor utilized to determine the depth 348. Thewall 336 includes the curved edge 338, which as noted above may be avariety of different shapes, such as planar, slanted, or the like.Furthermore, the edge 338 may overhang over the recess 308, as shown bythe half dovetail appearance, such that the edge diameter 506 is lessthan the recess diameter 340. In this configuration, the inner wall 406is substantially planar/vertical, and as a result, the inner diameter408 is shown as being consistent along the inner wall 406.

Further illustrated is the shoulder thickness 350, which may correspondto a distance between an interface 352 between the seal 326 and the topsurface 334. It should be appreciated that various features may beincluded at the interface, such as teeth or the like to facilitategripping the seal 326, and that the distance described above correspondsto a lowest point of the interface 352. In this example, the thickness350 may be larger than a thickness of a corresponding valve member thatdoes not include the recess 308. For example, in various embodiments, atop surface of a valve member, or features along the top surface, mayact as a hard stop for valve member movement. For example, a traditionalvalve configuration may include a boss that extends from the top surfaceof the valve member, rather than from a recessed location. As a result,an axial height of the top portion may be limited or restricted. Thisaxial height may be measured from a location where the spring contactsthe valve member. By adding the depth 348 of the recess, which lowersthe contact point of the spring, the thickness 350 may be increased,thereby providing additional support at the seal 326, which is theregion that contacts the seat sealing surface 314 (FIG. 6A).Accordingly, heat dissipation from the seal 326 may be improved, therebyincreasing the useful life of the seal 326. In this manner, a time maybe extended between maintenance intervals due to the improved life ofthe spring and also the improved life of the seal 326. As a result,systems and methods of the present disclosure may reduce costs for pumpoperators and provide improved operations.

FIGS. 7A-7D illustrate embodiments of a valve assembly 700 that may beutilized to overcome one or more deficiencies of prior art valveassemblies. As will be described below, one or more embodiments mayinclude a recess (e.g., a pocket, a groove, etc.) to receive at least aportion of a spring base to prevent the spring base from walking out.Furthermore, arrangements may provide for a thicker shoulder over asealing element for improved heat dissipation, among other benefits. Itshould be appreciated that various features of the embodiments describedherein may be incorporated with one another and are not limited to thearrangements shown. For example, the valve assembly 700 may includefeatures described with other valve assemblies disclosed herein. Itshould be appreciated that certain like features are referred to withlike numerals for convenience purposes and are not intended to limit thescope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 700 arrangedwithin the bore 302 of the fluid end 304, which may share one or morefeatures with the valve assemblies 122, 124, 200 and/or the fluid end102. Moreover, various portions of FIGS. 7A-7D may share one or morecomponents with FIGS. 3A-3D, 4A-4D, 5A-5D, and 6A-6D. This example showsthe valve assembly including the valve member 306 that has the springrecess 308, which in this example is a half dovetail spring retainingpocket. The dovetail is shown along the outer edge of the pocket. Theillustrated embodiment includes the valve assembly 700 associated with asuction side of the fluid end 304, but it should be appreciated thatvarious embodiments may also be used with different portions of thefluid end. Moreover, as noted with respect to FIGS. 3A, 4A, 5A, and 6A,it should be appreciated that the spring 310 is show in an uncompressedstate that is not representative of how it functions when installed.When the spring 310 is installed between the twist in retainer 312 andthe valve member 306 the spring 310 has a residual crush force used tokeep the valve member 306 in place and to keep the retainer 312 fromrotating. As shown, the lowest coils sit in the spring recess 308 of thevalve member 306 and are retained in place based upon the geometry ofthe spring recess 308. It should be appreciated, and will be describedbelow, that a depth of the recess 308 may be particularly selected toaccommodate one or more coils of the spring 310.

As noted above, as the fluid end 304 operates and the valve member 302moves in and out of contact with the sealing surface 314, pressures maycause forces to act on the spring 310, where the compression of thespring 310 will drive the spring base 316 radially outward (e.g., towardwalls 318 of the bore 302 to increase a base diameter of the spring310). As the spring base 316 moves outward, or “walks out,” a reducedclosing force may be produced by the spring 310. For example, the springheight 320 may decrease, which may cause, as least in part, the reducedclosing force. This is undesirable in that it may cause the valve member306 to not fully close or to close at the wrong time. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure overcome this problem by utilizing the spring recess308 to restrict radial movement of the spring 310 such that the base 316cannot move radially outward toward the walls 318. In other words, thewalking out of the spring base 316 may be blocked due to contact at therecess 308, which prevents further radial or outward movement of thespring base 316. In at least one embodiment, a base diameter may beknown and, based on the springs 310 intended for different operations, arecess diameter may be particularly selected to permit at least someexpansion and/or to block expansion entirely, based on the desired orexpected operating conditions. Accordingly, spring life may be improveddue to the reduced likelihood of a reduction in spring height due toradial movement of the spring base.

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the valve member 306 including thespring 310 positioned within the spring recess 308. The illustratedvalve member 306 includes the top portion 322 and the bottom portion 324(not visible due to the sealing element 326) which further includes legs328 extending from the bottom portion 324. In this example, the topportion 322 may correspond to the region axially higher than the valveseal 326 along the axis 330.

The spring recess 308 is shown extending into the top portion 322 alongthe axis 330 such that the recess base 332 is axially lower than the topsurface 334 of the top portion 322. That is, the recess base 332 isaxially closer to the seal 326 than the top surface 334. The recess base332 is also axially closer to the seal 326 than the top surface 334. Asnoted above, the recess 308 may be machined into the top surface 334.The recess 308 includes the continuous wall 336 (e.g., continuous outerwall) that has the round edge 338 representative of the outer diameter340 (e.g., recess diameter). In this example, the outer diameter 340 isless than the top portion diameter 342. It should be appreciated thatthe outer diameter 340 may be particularly selected based, at least inpart, on one or more spring characteristics. For example, the outerdiameter 340 may correspond to approximately a spring resting diameter.In this example, the spring base 316 is positioned within the recess 308such that the space 344 is shown between the wall 336 and the springbase 316. As such, at least some radial expansion (e.g., movementoutward) of the spring base 316 may be permitted. It should beappreciated that adjustments to the outer diameter 340 may control orotherwise limit a permitted expansion. Moreover, the space 344 may allowfor easier installation by providing some give or degrees of freedomduring installation while still restricting movement of the spring base316 in operation. Furthermore, as noted above, it should be appreciatedthat the illustrated example is in a non-compressed position and that,at installation, the spring 310 is compressed by the retainer 312.Accordingly, the space 344 may be sized such that the spring base 316expands upon installation and may reduce a size of or eliminate thespace 344 upon installation. Compression of the spring 310 may drive oneor more coils into the recess 308, but it should be appreciated that therecess 308 may be sized to receive a reasonable number of coils. In atleast one embodiment, the spring recess 308 is centered along the axis330, but in one or more embodiments, the spring recess 308 may bepositioned at a different location or there may be multiple recesses 308in embodiments where there are multiple springs.

FIG. 7C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve member 306in which the spring 310 has been removed. This configuration illustratesthe centered position of the spring recess 308, which as noted above maybe changed based on expected operating conditions. Further illustratedare the outer continuous wall 336 and the curved edge 338 forming therecess diameter 340. The curved edge 338 is shown by way of example andmay by a squared edge, a sloped edge, or any other reasonable geometry.Moreover, only a portion of the edge 338 may be curved, such as a lip ora transition portion. Furthermore, the curved edges 338 may be anoverlap or an overhang such that, which compressed, the spring 310 mayextend radially toward the wall 336 in a position where the edge 338overhangs the spring 310 (e.g., where axial movement of the spring 310is blocked by the curved edge 338), such as the dovetail configurationshown in FIG. 7D. As shown, the recess base 332 may be a planar surfacethat is substantially parallel to the top surface 334.

FIG. 7D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve member306 in which the spring 310 has been removed. This example shows thebottom portion 324 coupled to the top portion 322, which as noted above,may be represented by the area about the seal 326, such as the shoulder346 positioned over the seal 326. In various embodiments, the topportion 322 may be a planar region extending across a bottom portion ofthe shoulder 346 at an interface between the seal 326 and the shoulder346, but it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments,different portions may correspond to the top portion 322. The legs 328are also illustrated coupled to the bottom portion 324.

The illustrated configuration shows the recess 308, which in thisexample may be referred to as a half dovetail pocket due to itscross-sectional appearance. The dovetailed half is shown along the outerdiameter of the recess 308. The illustrated recess 308 may correspond toa void or a removed portion that extends axially into the top portion322. This example includes the wall 336 that extends circumferentiallyto form the recess 308 having the recess diameter 340 and the recessdepth 348. The recess depth 348 may correspond to a distance between therecess base 332 and the top surface 334 of the top portion 322. Thedepth 348 may be approximately equal to a thickness of one coil of thespring, but it should be appreciated that other depths 348 may be usedin various embodiments and the coil thickness may be one factor utilizedto determine the depth 348. The wall 336 includes the curved edge 338,which as noted above may be a variety of different shapes, such asplanar, slanted, or the like. Furthermore, the edge 338 may overhangover the recess 308, as shown by the half dovetail cross-section, suchthat the edge diameter 506 is less than the recess diameter 340.

Further illustrated is the shoulder thickness 350, which may correspondto a distance between an interface 352 between the seal 326 and the topsurface 334. It should be appreciated that various features may beincluded at the interface, such as teeth or the like to facilitategripping the seal 326, and that the distance described above correspondsto a lowest point of the interface 352. In this example, the thickness350 may be larger than a thickness of a corresponding valve member thatdoes not include the recess 308. For example, in various embodiments, atop surface of a valve member, or features along the top surface, mayact as a hard stop for valve member movement. For example, a traditionalvalve configuration may include a boss that extends from the top surfaceof the valve member, rather than from a recessed location. As a result,an axial height of the top portion may be limited or restricted. Thisaxial height may be measured from a location where the spring contactsthe valve member. By adding the depth 348 of the recess, which lowersthe contact point of the spring, the thickness 350 may be increased,thereby providing additional support at the seal 326, which is theregion that contacts the seat sealing surface 314 (FIG. 7A).Accordingly, heat dissipation from the seal 326 may be improved, therebyincreasing the useful life of the seal 326. In this manner, a time maybe extended between maintenance intervals due to the improved life ofthe spring and also the improved life of the seal 326. As a result,systems and methods of the present disclosure may reduce costs for pumpoperators and provide improved operations.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate embodiments of a valve assembly 800 that may beutilized to overcome one or more deficiencies of prior art valveassemblies. As will be described below, one or more embodiments mayinclude a recess (e.g., a pocket, a groove, etc.) to receive at least aportion of a spring base to prevent the spring base from walking out.Furthermore, arrangements may provide for a thicker shoulder over asealing element for improved heat dissipation, among other benefits. Itshould be appreciated that various features of the embodiments describedherein may be incorporated with one another and are not limited to thearrangements shown. For example, the valve assembly 800 may includefeatures described with other valve assemblies disclosed herein. Itshould be appreciated that certain like features are referred to withlike numerals for convenience purposes and are not intended to limit thescope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly 800 arrangedwithin the bore 302 of the fluid end 304, which may share one or morefeatures with the valve assemblies 122, 124, 200 and/or the fluid end102. Moreover, various components of FIGS. 8A-8D may be shared by one ormore components of FIGS. 3A-3D, 4A-4D, 5A-5D, 6A-6D, and 7A-7D. Thisexample shows the valve assembly including the valve member 306 that hasthe spring recess 308, which in this example is a spring retainingpocket with various platform features. The illustrated embodimentincludes the valve assembly 800 associated with the suction side of thefluid end 304, but it should be appreciated that various embodiments mayalso be used with different portions of the fluid end. Moreover, asnoted with respect to FIGS. 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7A, it should beappreciated that the spring 310 is show in an uncompressed state that isnot representative of how it functions when installed. When the spring310 is installed between the twist in retainer 312 and the valve member306 the spring 310 has a residual crush force used to keep the valvemember 306 in place and to keep the retainer 312 from rotating. Asshown, the lowest coils sit in the spring recess 308 of the valve member306 and are retained in place based upon the geometry of the springrecess 308. It should be appreciated, and will be described below, thata depth of the recess 308 may be particularly selected to accommodateone or more coils of the spring 310.

As noted above, as the fluid end 304 operates and the valve member 302moves in and out of contact with the sealing surface 314, pressures maycause forces to act on the spring 310, where the compression of thespring 310 will drive the spring base 316 radially outward (e.g., towardwalls 318 of the bore 302 to increase a base diameter of the spring310). As the spring base 316 moves outward, or “walks out,” a reducedclosing force may be produced by the spring 310. For example, the springheight 320 may decrease, which may cause, as least in part, the reducedclosing force. This is undesirable in that it may cause the valve member306 to not fully close or to close at the wrong time. Embodiments of thepresent disclosure overcome this problem by utilizing the spring recess308 to restrict radial movement of the spring 310 such that the base 316cannot move radially outward toward the walls 318. In other words, thewalking out of the spring base 316 may be blocked due to contact at therecess 308, which prevents further radial or outward movement of thespring base 316. In at least one embodiment, a base diameter may beknown and, based on the springs 310 intended for different operations, arecess diameter may be particularly selected to permit at least someexpansion and/or to block expansion entirely, based on the desired orexpected operating conditions. Accordingly, spring life may be improveddue to the reduced likelihood of a reduction in spring height due toradial movement of the spring base.

In this example, the recess 308 includes a platform 802, which may besimilar to a boss, and a knob 804 extending from the platform 802. Theknob 804 is shown extending along the axis 330 and beyond the topsurface of the top portion, as will be described below.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the valve member 306 including thespring 310 positioned within the spring recess 308. The illustratedvalve member 306 includes the top portion 322 and the bottom portion 324(not visible due to the sealing element 326) which further includes legs328 extending from the bottom portion 324. In this example, the topportion 322 may correspond to the region axially higher than the valveseal 326 along the axis 330.

The spring recess 308 is shown extending into the top portion 322 alongthe axis 330 such that the recess base 332 is axially lower than the topsurface 334 of the top portion 322. That is, the recess base 332 isaxially closer to the seal 326 than the top surface 334. In other words,the recess base 332 is positioned, at least in part, between the topsurface 334 and the seal 326. As noted above, the recess 308 may bemachined into the top surface 334. The recess 308 includes thecontinuous wall 336 (e.g., continuous outer wall) that has the roundedge 338 representative of the outer diameter 340 (e.g., recessdiameter). In this example, the outer diameter 340 is less than the topportion diameter 342. It should be appreciated that the outer diameter340 may be particularly selected based, at least in part, on one or morespring characteristics. For example, the outer diameter 340 maycorrespond to approximately a spring resting diameter. Furtherillustrated is the platform 802 having a platform diameter, which issmaller than the outer diameter 340. In at least one embodiment, theplatform diameter may correspond to the inner diameter 408 of the recess308 and may, in various embodiments, include the inner wall 406 that mayradially constrain the spring base 316.

In this example, the spring base 316 is positioned within the recess 308such that the space 344 is shown between the wall 336 and the springbase 316 and the inner space 410 is shown between the wall 806 and thespring base 316. As such, at least some radial expansion (e.g., movementoutward) of the spring base 316 may be permitted. It should beappreciated that adjustments to the outer diameter 340 may control orotherwise limit a permitted expansion. Moreover, the spaces 344, 410 mayallow for easier installation by providing some give or degrees offreedom during installation while still restricting movement of thespring base 316 in operation. Furthermore, as noted above, it should beappreciated that the illustrated example is in a non-compressed positionand that, at installation, the spring 310 is compressed by the retainer312. Accordingly, the space 344 may be sized such that the spring base316 expands upon installation and may reduce a size of or eliminate thespace 344 upon installation. Compression of the spring 310 may drive oneor more coils into the recess 308, but it should be appreciated that therecess 308 may be sized to receive a reasonable number of coils. In atleast one embodiment, the spring recess 308 is centered along the axis330, but in one or more embodiments, the spring recess 308 may bepositioned at a different location or there may be multiple recesses 308in embodiments where there are multiple springs.

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve member 306in which the spring 310 has been removed. This configuration illustratesthe centered position of the spring recess 308, which as noted above maybe changed based on expected operating conditions. Further illustratedare the outer continuous wall 336 and the curved edge 338 along with theplatform 802 and the inner wall 406. The curved edges 338, 412 are shownby way of example and may by a squared edge, a sloped edge, or any otherreasonable geometry. Moreover, only a portion of the edges 338, 412 maybe curved, such as a lip or a transition portion. Furthermore, thecurved edges 338, 412 may be an overlap or an overhang such that, whichcompressed, the spring 310 may extend radially toward the walls 336, 406in a position where the edges 338, 410 overhang the spring 310 (e.g.,where axial movement of the spring 310 is blocked by the curved edge338), such as the dovetail configuration shown in FIG. 7D. As shown, therecess base 332 may be a planar surface that is substantially parallelto the top surface 334.

The platform 802 is shown elevated above the recess base 332 and furtherincludes the knob 804 extending axially upward from the platform 802. Invarious embodiments this forms a two-tier structure within the recess332 such that the platform 802 may be associated with spring movementwhile the knob 804 is associated with installation/removal and/orproviding a hard stop during operation of the valve member 306.

FIG. 8D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the valve member306 in which the spring 310 has been removed. This example shows thebottom portion 324 coupled to the top portion 322, which as noted above,may be represented by the area above the seal 326, such as the shoulder346 positioned over the seal 326. In various embodiments, the topportion 322 may be a planar region extending across a bottom portion ofthe shoulder 346 at an interface between the seal 326 and the shoulder346, but it should be appreciated that, in various embodiments,different portions may correspond to the top portion 322. The legs 328are also illustrated coupled to the bottom portion 324.

The illustrated configuration shows the recess 308, which in thisexample may be referred to as a pocket due to its cross-sectionalappearance. The illustrated recess 308 may correspond to a void or aremoved portion that extends axially into the top portion 322. Thisexample includes the wall 336 that extends circumferentially to form therecess 308 having the recess diameter 340 and the recess depth 348. Therecess depth 348 may correspond to a distance between the recess base332 and the top surface 334 of the top portion 322. The depth 348 may beapproximately equal to a thickness of one coil of the spring, but itshould be appreciated that other depths 348 may be used in variousembodiments and the coil thickness may be one factor utilized todetermine the depth 348. The wall 336 includes the curved edge 338,which as noted above may be a variety of different shapes, such asplanar, slanted, or the like. Furthermore, the edge 338 may overhangover the recess 308, as shown by the half dovetail cross-section, suchthat an edge diameter 506 is less than a recess diameter 340.

In at least one embodiment, the platform 802 is shown having a platformsurface 806 that is axially higher than the recess base 332.Additionally, extending in an axially upward direction from the platform802 is the knob 804. In this configuration, a knob surface 808 isaxially higher than the top surface 334. In at least one embodiment, theknob 804 may be utilized for installation and removal to provide an areafor operations to grip and manipulate the valve member 306. In variousembodiments, the knob 804 may also serve as a hard stop duringoperations.

Further illustrated is the shoulder thickness 350, which may correspondto a distance between an interface 352 between the seal 326 and the topsurface 334. It should be appreciated that various features may beincluded at the interface, such as teeth or the like to facilitategripping the seal 326, and that the distance described above correspondsto a lowest point of the interface 352. In this example, the thickness350 may be larger than a thickness of a corresponding valve member thatdoes not include the recess 308. For example, in various embodiments, atop surface of a valve member, or features along the top surface, mayact as a hard stop for valve member movement. For example, a traditionalvalve configuration may include a boss that extends from the top surfaceof the valve member, rather than from a recessed location. As a result,an axial height of the top portion may be limited or restricted. Thisaxial height may be measured from a location where the spring contactsthe valve member. By adding the depth 348 of the recess, which lowersthe contact point of the spring, the thickness 350 may be increased,thereby providing additional support at the seal 326, which is theregion that contacts the seat sealing surface 314 (FIG. 8A).Accordingly, heat dissipation from the seal 326 may be improved, therebyincreasing the useful life of the seal 326. In this manner, a time maybe extended between maintenance intervals due to the improved life ofthe spring and also the improved life of the seal 326. As a result,systems and methods of the present disclosure may reduce costs for pumpoperators and provide improved operations.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the disclosed embodiments isillustrative and explanatory of the embodiments of the disclosure.Various changes in the details of the illustrated embodiments can bemade within the scope of the appended claims without departing from thetrue spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments of the present disclosureshould only be limited by the following claims and their legalequivalents. As will be described above, in one or more embodiments thepacking sleeve 220 is secured to the block 104 using one or morefasteners that may extend through one or more intermediate components.In at least one embodiment, a retaining system may not include a preloadelement.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A valve assembly, comprising: a valve seat; and a valve member, comprising: a valve body having a spring retaining recess extending into the valve body, the spring retaining recess having a recess diameter that is smaller than a valve body diameter, wherein the recess diameter is larger than a diameter of a spring positioned within the spring retaining recess, the spring retaining recess having a dovetail cross-section; a raised boss positioned within the spring retaining recess; a strike face forming at least a portion of the valve body; and sealing element forming at least a portion of the strike face.
 2. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising: legs coupled to the valve body.
 3. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the raised boss has a boss height less than a spring retaining recess depth.
 4. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the raised boss forms an inner diameter of the spring retaining recess.
 5. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the raised boss has a planar top surface.
 6. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a knob extending axially upward from the raised boss.
 7. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the raised boss is centered along a longitudinal axis of the valve member.
 8. A valve assembly, comprising: a valve seat having a strike face; and a valve member configured such that a sealing element of the valve member moves into contact with the strike face and out of contact with the strike face, wherein movement of the valve member is driven, at least in part, by a spring biasing the valve member toward the valve seat, the valve member comprising: a bottom portion; legs coupled to the bottom portion; a top portion coupled to the bottom portion, the sealing element being positioned, at least partially between the top portion and the bottom portion, wherein a recess is formed in the top portion; and a boss which defines at least a portion of the recess; wherein a cross-sectional appearance of the recess includes a dovetail feature; wherein a portion of the spring is positioned within the dovetail feature.
 9. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the boss further comprises: a first boss portion; and a second boss portion, the first boss portion being at an axially higher position, along a longitudinal axis of the valve member, than the second boss portion.
 10. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the boss has a boss height less than a recess depth.
 11. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the boss has a planar top surface.
 12. The valve assembly of claim 8, further comprising: a knob extending axially upward from the boss.
 13. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the boss is centered along a longitudinal axis of the valve member.
 14. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the recess outer diameter is formed by a continuous wall.
 15. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the boss is one of flush with a top surface of the top portion, axially lower than the top surface, or axially higher than the top surface.
 16. The valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the spring is a conical spring and a recess depth is equal to one coil depth.
 17. A valve member for a spring-loaded valve assembly, comprising: a valve seat; a valve member, comprising: a valve body including a strike face along a frustoconical outer profile; a sealing element forming at least a portion of the strike face; and a recess extending into the valve body, the recess having a continuous outer wall that forms a dovetailed cross section with an inner wall of the recess, the inner wall formed by a boss which extends from a lower surface of the recess axially upward, along a valve body axis, toward a top surface of the valve body; and a spring, wherein at least a portion of the spring is positioned within the recess.
 18. The spring-loaded valve assembly of claim 17, wherein a boss height is less than a recess depth.
 19. The spring-loaded valve assembly of claim 18, wherein the recess depth is less than one coil of a spring to be positioned within the recess depth.
 20. The spring-loaded valve assembly of claim 17, wherein the boss includes a first boss surface at a different axial position than and a second boss surface.
 21. A valve member for a spring-loaded valve assembly, comprising: an outer housing; a valve body including a strike face along a frustoconical outer profile; a sealing element forming at least a portion of the strike face; a recess extending into the valve body having a dovetailed cross section, the recess further having a continuous outer wall; and a portion of a spring positioned in the recess.
 22. The spring-loaded valve assembly of claim 21, wherein the valve body is recessed from a top surface centered along a longitudinal axis of the valve body. 